MLS Insider: Ricardo Kaka to Orlando City

Report: Kaka to return to Milan preseason

(Getty Images)

By Mike Gramajo

Orlando City Soccer Club will have to wait a little more longer to acquire the services of Brazilian superstar Ricardo Kaka.

According to a report from Goal.com, the midfielder confirmed that he plans to return to AC Milan for preseason training in early July, leaving speculation of him becoming OCSC’s first-ever designated player in doubt. 

“I am not out of Milan,” the former Real Madrid player told an audience at an event. “The only thing that is certain and official is that on July 9, I have to present myself at Milan.”

Orlando City confirmed earlier this month that they were in ‘advance discussions’ with Kaka about becoming a DP when Orlando joins Major League Soccer in 2015, while also going out on loan to Brazilian side Sao Paulo FC during the remainder of 2014. 

What do you think of this report? Do you think Kaka will eventually join Orlando City? Share your comments below. 

Adrian Heath talks Kaka arrival

(Courtesy of Orlando City)

By Mike Gramajo

While much credit can be attributed to owners Flavio Augusto da Silva and Phil Rawlins for luring Brazilian star Ricardo Kaka to Orlando City SC as their first Designated Player, the credit will soon be transported to the man who will be coaching the midfielder. 

That’s Adrian Heath. 

Within the last 48 hours, reports of Kaka signing with Orlando City have coincided with World Cup fever, and Heath for the first time answered questions from reporters about the soon-to-be announced signing. 

“We’re in advanced talks to sign Kaka. We’re all optimistic and really hopeful and probably see a little bit of what it’s like next year,” said Heath. “We’re talking about one of the world’s global names, one the best players in the last 20-30 years. We hope we get it done, we hope this time next year he’s running out in a purple shirt.” 

According to other reports that have surfaced in the last couple days, the former AC Milan ace is expected to go out on loan to Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo FC for the remainder of 2014 to remain fitness. Kaka would eventually join the Lions in January 2015 before the start of MLS preseason camp. 

Sao Paulo, which is Kaka’s boyhood club, ironically played Orlando City on Friday in a scoreless international friendly.